The Restoration Zone

Today, as was the case yesterday, I woke up with a choice. I could deal with my past in numerous ways. I could glory in past accomplishments, regret past failures, spend time in the “if only” graveyard or cull the history for the lessons learned and realize that most of the time spent in the past would be wasted time. I have a future. I could keep the wisdom gained but let go of the rest, plan and do what I am capable of today. Accomplishments are only good if they become assets that can be used in the future.

This is true for all of us but for me there is poignancy in these thoughts. This is because most of the world would think I would have an excuse to live in the past. They would think that I would have a reason anyone would understand. You see, on Mother’s Day 2019, I had a massive and rare stroke. It was rare in that it occurred in the cerebellum, and affected both sides of my body, each side in completely different ways. For many, this event that changed my life would let me quit trying to do great things. My life according to many would become a burden for others to carry. I had no ability for more than a month to get out of bed, no voice, no strength and neurological issues galore. When I did manage to sit up I could not stand or walk, was in constant pain and the health care system had low expectations for my recovery.

With that said, those who know the “me that I wanted the world to see”, only saw the glory days, the list of impressive accomplishments and the monument of artistic work I had been building as a legacy.

Those that know me better saw the failures that haunt me and either excuse them or believe that they make all the good things dismissible. They may always believe the version of me that exists only for them in their memory. I wish I could change that but I realize that I can’t. I can change who I am yet going to be. With the help of God, I can become something better.

Perhaps you can relate. Some of the mountains we have yet to climb, have appeared in front of us because of roads we chose to take in the past. Some of them could never have been anticipated but were placed there by God himself. Either way, you woke up with the same choice as I did. In the end it’s the daily choices that will matter. If we choose wisely we will probably be surprised at what God has in store for us yet. There is a reason we remain alive. We have a future.

I am putting together a group that will share the journey. I have goals but no idea what the future will look like. I only know that I am not ready to listen to those who have a pessimistic outlook on my life, nor should you. You have breath. Do something with it. I am inviting you to do it together with me and those who join this call to action.

Today is Saturday, March 12, 2022. Today I use this blog post to begin a community of restoration. If a part of your life has ended, a new one is waiting for you to begin. Join me via email. It’s our safety net in case of censorship. [email protected]

I will respond and keep you aware of how we move forward from here. I will start a Facebook group and post on Vocal to begin called The Restoration Zone. Walk with me as things develop. Tell me your story. Post it in the group or comment on Vocal. Pay attention to responses from others walking this path. Let’s help each other move forward.